How it works Details Nominate a Hero
July · Social Wellness Month

The Tuktu “Local Hero” Award

Celebrating the Vermonters who keep our communities connected.

From the neighbor who clears your driveway after a heavy winter freeze to the Meals on Wheels volunteer who makes it their mission to make everyone smile — we want to say thank you. Nominate an unsung hero (or yourself!) with a short video for a chance to win the $1,000 top prize.

Nominate a Hero → See how it works
Submissions close August 15 at 5:00 PM
A craftsperson at work
Volunteers cleaning up a beach
A nurse and a child sharing a high-five
A community member painting a mural
Vermont heroes
Why we’re doing this

Celebrating solidarity in Vermont

To mark Social Wellness Month, we’re launching the Tuktu “Local Hero” Award, recognizing the people who do the important work of showing up when help is needed. To us, that’s what defines a true hero: everyday neighbors who selflessly lend a helping hand in service of their community. Join us in celebrating these good samaritans and thanking them for keeping our communities connected, strong, and deeply cared for.

Simple as 1–2–3

How to nominate your hero

01

Find your hero

Think of someone who makes life better for those around them — or nominate yourself. Sit down together for a friendly chat.

02

Record a short video

Film a 90–150 second interview on any phone or camera, then upload it to YouTube as Unlisted. We’ll show you exactly how.

03

Submit the form

Paste your YouTube link into the nomination form below, tell us a little about your hero, and you’re done!

Filming your clip

Video instructions

What to film

  • 90–150 secondsShort and heartfelt is perfect.
  • Any orientationVertical on a phone or horizontal on a camera, both work.
  • Keep it conversationalAsk what they love about their community, what inspires them to give back, or a time they stepped up.
  • No editing neededJust pick a quiet, well-lit spot so we can see and hear them clearly.
REC
Frame your hero, hit record, and let them tell their story.

Adding your video to YouTube

  1. Open YouTube

    Use the app on your phone, or youtube.com on a computer. Sign in with a free Google account.

  2. Tap “Create” → Upload

    The + button on the app, or the camera icon top-right on a computer.

  3. Pick your clip

    Choose the video you just filmed.

  4. Set it to “Unlisted”

    Only people with the link can watch — please don’t pick “Private,” or we can’t see it.

  5. Publish & copy the link

    Tap Publish, then Share → Copy link.

  6. Paste it below

    Drop the link into the form and you’re done! 🎉

Need a hand? Call +1 866-938-8588 or ask a family member; it only takes a few minutes.
The awards

Every hero celebrated, three standouts rewarded

All video submissions will be showcased on our website to highlight and honor every local hero. Three standout heroes will receive:

2
2nd Place
$500

Runner-up recognition

1st Place
$1,000

Our top Local Hero

3
3rd Place
$200

Third-place honor

Moreover, all eligible submissions receive a free Tuktu service, whether it’s housekeeping, gardening, or companionship support.
The details

Good to know

  • The nominator must be at least 13 years old.
  • All nominations must be submitted online at tuktu.us/localheroes.
  • If a nominator submits multiple nominations, only the first three submissions will be considered.
  • The nominator must provide contact information — email and telephone number — for the nominated Hero.
  • The Hero must live in Vermont.
  • The nominator and Hero will be required to complete a publicity release should the Hero be selected.
  • Your video should be between 90 and 150 seconds long.
  • Filming is flexible: shoot vertically on a phone or horizontally on a camera.
  • Keep the interview conversational using the prompts above.
  • Upload your video to YouTube and make it Unlisted. Need help? See the YouTube guide.
  • No professional editing needed, just film in a quiet, well-lit space.

By submitting a nomination, you confirm that you have the nominee’s permission to share their story and media. Because the purpose of this award is to celebrate and share local community stories, all participants agree that Tuktu may use the submitted video clips, names, and photos in future marketing, social media, and promotional materials. Additionally, all video submissions will be showcased on our website to highlight and honor every local hero.

We’re currently finalizing our roster of judges. This section will be updated shortly with the panel of community leaders who will be reviewing the submissions. Stay tuned!

Your turn

Nominate a Local Hero

Fill in the details below and paste your YouTube link. It only takes a couple of minutes.

About you (the nominator)
Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter your phone number.
About your hero
Please enter the hero’s name.
Please enter a Vermont town or city.
0 / 150 words
Please tell us a little about your hero (150 words max).
Your video
Please paste a valid YouTube link (see the guide above).
You must be at least 13 to nominate.
Please confirm permission and agreement.
 
That answer doesn’t look right — please try again.
Submissions close August 15 at 5:00 PM.

Thank you for celebrating a hero!

Your nomination has been received. Keep an eye on your inbox — and watch this space, where every local hero will be showcased.